author readings

Is the book experience displacing the book review? Someone wondered that recently on Twitter, and it got me thinking about the differences between reading an author on the page and hearing his or her words in person. In an industry not renowned for efficiency, author readings are a highly effective form of “targeted marketing.” Any number of motives spur attendees to buy: They may collect signed editions, or enjoy rubbing elbows with boldface names, or simply feel obligated (friends of …